Laos Launches 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with Orange Patuxay Event
The campaign highlights the commitment to ending violence against women and girls with support from the Lao Government, UNFPA, and international partners.
To commemorate the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, Laos marked the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence on November 25. The event featured the illumination of the Patuxay Monument in orange, symbolizing the commitment to eliminating violence against women and girls. The campaign, supported by 40 partners, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the European Union (EU), and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), aims to raise awareness and drive action towards ending gender-based violence (GBV).
Lao President Sonexay Siphandone reaffirmed the government's dedication to eliminating violence through strong policies and legal frameworks. He emphasized that Laos had made significant strides over the past decade in transforming cultural norms and reducing tolerance for domestic violence, thanks to government leadership and public awareness campaigns. UNFPA Officer-in-Charge Kambiz Kabiri also highlighted the progress made, while acknowledging the need for continued efforts to address GBV.
The event was marked by a range of activities, including a fashion show themed "The Empowerment Runway," which spotlighted various forms of violence and advocated for inclusivity. The 16 Days of Activism will continue through Human Rights Day on December 10, featuring seminars, media campaigns, and discussions on key topics such as mental health for survivors and the rights of marginalized groups.
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Lao President Sonexay Siphandone reaffirmed the government's dedication to eliminating violence through strong policies and legal frameworks. He emphasized that Laos had made significant strides over the past decade in transforming cultural norms and reducing tolerance for domestic violence, thanks to government leadership and public awareness campaigns. UNFPA Officer-in-Charge Kambiz Kabiri also highlighted the progress made, while acknowledging the need for continued efforts to address GBV.
The event was marked by a range of activities, including a fashion show themed "The Empowerment Runway," which spotlighted various forms of violence and advocated for inclusivity. The 16 Days of Activism will continue through Human Rights Day on December 10, featuring seminars, media campaigns, and discussions on key topics such as mental health for survivors and the rights of marginalized groups.
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